Coach And AD Chatter Part II
IT HAS BEGUN. Oh hell yes, we're already on FlightAware. Various people have pointed out that this plane went to a place two hours away from San Francisco and has done this several times over the last few months. Also they point out that Mississippi is not Tennessee. To them I say your petty "logic" and seeming "sanity" cannot stand in the way of an internet full of ludicrous hope.
God save this country if it ever can. FlightAware: love it or leave it. We have a song.
[Even though I'm pretty sure 95% of people who got on the Flight Aware bandwagon were joking: this particular flight has been thoroughly debunked by Sam Webb, who points out that's an alum's plane and he's got auto dealerships in the cities he flies to. This did not stop it from being on Around The Horn, because they got yammerin' to do.
Coaching search plane is not going to have a block M on it, I bet.]
ON HARBAUGH, AGAIN. Previous chatter here was an opinion from someone in the 49ers organization that Harbaugh was coming to the conclusion he might fit better in college long-term. I have a couple more infobits.
One is from the Michigan/AA side of things and indicates that he would be open to a return in the event of an AD change.
The second is intel from guys who work for another NFL franchise: it's well-known in the league that Harbaugh and the 49ers GM don't get along and that Harbaugh's relentless intensity wears on NFL players who expect to be treated like adults. This is not something you haven't heard from a half-dozen NFL reporters already.
These guys think Harbaugh will end up at Michigan, though, so that's interesting.
ON THE AD CHANGE. Support for Brandon at the regent level breaks down along party lines. I can't believe that would really matter—and of course in my opinion the only problem there is that anyone would support a man so toxic that he can cut student ticket prices 40% and still get bombarded with calls for his firing this weekend.
There are yet further suggestions that Brandon is fighting a rearguard action he's not likely to win.
Ross's about-face on Brandon is meaningful because Stephen Ross can always say nothing; if he doesn't return a phone call there is no article.
I can say that there are people in the department who think it's done, Brandon's out, and that this could become official by mid-November. Current chatter holds that one of the obvious Michigan-connected guys will be the pick as replacement, but I'd expect that would be the case until a serious search committee is formed and either includes or does not include potentially interesting non-M options.
ON HEELS AND THE DIGGING IN THEREOF. Brandon is going to go down swinging. They called another meeting, this one a mandatory one for all head coaches, about a week ago. A second-hand report from that meeting says after an apology about how it's not all about him, the upshot was the criticism was all "politically driven" and that the Board of Regents was after him because he's a Republican and there are upcoming elections. After that everything would die down.
Yes, seriously.
Further, expect another letter of support organized by the department for the benefit of said regents. The email circulated to get this going indicates the level of organization here:
We wanted to keep this grassroots -- as it feels important to do so with the message of the letter. We did have a member of the leadership team and media relations take a look just to make sure there were no red flags.
You keep using that word, "grassroots." In any case, "employee publicly supports employer who hired them at high salary" is not news.
That should come out today or in the near future.
EXTERNAL ITEMS
UT Rivals board as of late yesterday.
ON BUTCH JONES. The Tennessee rivals board blew up yesterday with speculation after one of their moderators confirmed that the ever-nebulous "representatives" had been in contact with Jones. That can mean anything at all, obviously.
Tennessee folks on twitter got the requisite denial-ish substance…
Butch Jones via @GoVols247: "I may have been born in Michigan, but I am from Tennessee. When you're a Vol you're a Vol For Life"
— Teran Johnson (@TeranJ_WUTK) October 28, 2014
…and former Vol WR Jayson Swain asserted there's a 0% chance it happens. Also:
"It's not even worth discussing," Jones said of the rumors. "No validity to it.
"I'm not going to waste your time or my time commenting on that."
I wouldn't put it at 0.00%, but things would have to go in some funny directions for Michigan to hire Jones after two years trying to rebuild the cratered Tennessee program without much to show for it.
I'd keep him on peripheral radar only.
ON LES MILES. Some of the Jones chatter is undoubtedly coming from a 247 post from their national guys that reads like mostly speculation, but it did have a sourced tidbit on Miles:
Sources close to Miles indicate that given the Tigers talent level that they don't "think" Miles would entertain a return to his alma mater at this time.
Not much to go on there. I don't expect Michigan pursues Miles for a number of reasons, but impossible to say anything certain until we know which guy is running the search.
OTHER FOLKS' CHATTER. Steve Lorenz has a post up in which he suggests it's Boston College's Brad Bates who has his nose ahead($) in the still-hypothetical race to be the next AD, amongst various other interesting things. His read on the Harbaugh thing seem to be in harmony with my take: don't rule it out, don't assume it's happening.
An old-timey insider popped up on Rivals after a long, long hiatus when people cried out for his wisdom($). Verily, GFunk did descend from the mountain and say unto them that wheels were turning, there was probably a change in AD coming, and that if he had to guess at this point it would be Bates and Harbaugh.
Sam Webb posted a freebie with some encouraging items about Michigan moving up its timeline:
…there are high ranking donors that have voiced their feelings to Schlissel during meetings over the last few months. Now comes word that some donors are planning to speak with their checkbooks.
“(Schlissel) has been told that not another penny will be given until this is resolved,” a source told GoBlueWolverine on the condition of anonymity.
Exactly how many donors have delivered that message is unclear, but any impact outside of athletics will clearly be magnified. Especially since Michigan is in the midst of its “Victors for Michigan campaign” to raise 4 billion dollars to finance "student support, engaged learning, and bold ideas.” …
Before this latest barrage of negative feedback about Brandon the odds of the evaluation process lasting at least a month longer appeared pretty high. Now, especially with Ross’ announcement that he won’t serve as Brandon’s buffer, the opportunity for the timeline to be expedited is apparent.
Sam also adds a non-Michigan name to the pile of guys for next AD: Arizona AD Greg Byrne. Yes, the man who hired Rich Rodriguez. Byrne also hired Dan Mullen during his tenure as Mississippi State's AD from 2008-10.
October 29th, 2014 at 11:10 AM ^
It's almost ludicrous how vain and narcissitic this man is. Acting like he's god's gift to michigan football. He was a kicker for Bo.
October 29th, 2014 at 11:13 AM ^
So?
I'd happily hire an ex-kicker for AD if the guy was competent.
DB's problem isn't his past life; his problem is that he's clinically insane.
October 29th, 2014 at 11:36 AM ^
ZOLTAN FOR AD!!
October 29th, 2014 at 11:37 AM ^
*** OF SPACE
October 29th, 2014 at 11:11 AM ^
sam web sucks dick. hes allways the last to know anything.
October 29th, 2014 at 11:27 AM ^
October 29th, 2014 at 11:16 AM ^
Jim Harbaugh is the only hire that everyone would be happy/thrilled with. (By "Everyone" I mean 95% plus.) Some of the other names would be acceptable to mildly pleasing, but Jim has it all. It makes so much sense given everything we are hearing.
The problem is if we DON"T get him, and mess up yet another hire, we are heading into Sparty of the 90's/early 2000's territory, and things get beyond ugly as we spend another 5 years wallowing in irrelevancy. To be clear-I'm not saying nobody else can succeed, just that they would be significantly more risky.
Jimmy, I just turned 50. I watched you play when I was a student, and it's time to come home. I can't pay off your house like the 'Bama boosters did for Saban, but I would be happy to spring for a pizza and 6-pack. Who's with me?
October 29th, 2014 at 11:22 AM ^
As long as the pizza isn't a Domino's, count me in.
October 29th, 2014 at 11:51 AM ^
Jon Harbaugh? I think that would be at 95% as well. He has a Super Bowl ring, he's a little more mellow, he has Michigan ties. I'm a fan of Jim, but I'd be just as happy with his brother.
Plus, we can still keep using the "you remind me of Ray Lewis" line in recruiting.
October 29th, 2014 at 9:24 PM ^
Either brother would do. Both would be excellent at recruiting. Hell, let's hire them both! Ok, just kidding.
I am 60 years old, I don't want to go through two more shitty hires. I just hope the stars line up this time. The last 6-7 years have been pure hell.
October 29th, 2014 at 11:20 AM ^
are there any juicy real estate scoops?
October 29th, 2014 at 11:28 AM ^
October 29th, 2014 at 11:42 AM ^
October 30th, 2014 at 4:19 PM ^
I am speaking to the reality of the situation -- not how I believe it should be. Dave Brandon is a high-powered political figure in the State of Michigan. Whether we like it or not, he has chosen to use his political influence to make it a partisan issue. As a result, there will be political consequences -- good or bad -- for how the Regents handle calls for his removal and the selection of a replacement.
October 29th, 2014 at 11:29 AM ^
Wooo! Time to celebrate! Pop the cork on that champagne, can't wait for Jim to come and...
wait...this is a rumor? Speculation, you say? These visions of Michigan under Harbaugh kicking everyone's ass are just...dreams?
We are so pathetic. If I believed in supernatural beings, I'd say we need saving, right now.
October 29th, 2014 at 11:39 AM ^
The political breakdown on the Board of Regents could easily end up being 4-4 on January 1. The 2 seats up for election are both Democrats, and traditionally in "mid-term" election years the Regents races are won by the party that wins the gubernatorial election. It seems that Mr. Brandon is thinking that if he holds on until next Tuesday he could easily have some more political cover.
It seems silly, though; I can't imagine that the Republican Regents would give Mr. Brandon enough support to save his job after everything he has done to self-destruct over the last couple of months.
October 29th, 2014 at 12:14 PM ^
in what way shape or form does having a Republican or Democrat in the athletic director's job change anything about how said position is supposed to be run. It is a completely non-political position and if its true that the regents are just going down party lines then it really makes me doubt the regents too.
"You're telling me you look at everything going on in Michigan athletics and amongst the fans and alums and you've concluded whether to support or oppose Dave Brandon based on his political party? Everyone out. You're all fired. There are so many more idiots leading this University than I ever imagined"
October 29th, 2014 at 1:51 PM ^
October 29th, 2014 at 2:35 PM ^
Interesting commentary and I think you are correct in some ways. But I see some flaws also.
1. The Prez. Is the one that makes the decision and he already has the input of the regents that have the most knowledge of the situation. Which should carry the most weight.
2. Even if the board ends up 4-4 this decision will almost certainly be done prior to Jan. 1.
3. Lame ducks work very hard to implement their agenda before they are gone.
If he is building his plan to keep his job on the election I think it is seriously unsound.
October 29th, 2014 at 11:38 AM ^
I love chatter, can't have enough sometimes. Probably why I liked playing third base in little league -- couldn't hit worth crap, but man I could chatter... baaatterrrr, baatterrr, swwwwinnnng batterrrrrr.
I'm still sticking with my original new coach prediction -- Mr. John Harbaugh. But I will graciously accept defeat if his brother walked through the M door -- and I will continue to boo their brother-in-law (unless they require a non-booing at IU coaches clause in their contract).
October 29th, 2014 at 11:42 AM ^
"Brandon is going to go down swinging. They called another meeting, this one a mandatory one for all head coaches, about a week ago. A second-hand report from that meeting says after an apology about how it's not all about him, the upshot was the criticism was all "politically driven" and that the Board of Regents was after him because he's a Republican and there are upcoming elections. After that everything would die down."
And yet, DB says "I am not tone deaf".
Dude. Duuude. I am pretty liberal, but honestly not a single remotely politcal thought has crossed my mind about the whole Dave Brandon ordeal. And I suspect most here feel the same. The regents are one thing, but they don't represent the pulse of the fanbase necessarily.
It's pretty laughable if Brandon truly thinks that this is all "politically driven".
Can this assclown before it's too late.
October 29th, 2014 at 3:22 PM ^
October 29th, 2014 at 3:56 PM ^
October 29th, 2014 at 3:26 PM ^
Somebody a while back posted a shopped version of this picture with a Jim Harbaugh doll replacing Krusty and I can't find it, and man do I need it right now. Does anyone have it?
edit: found it, some of BlueBarron's work
October 29th, 2014 at 11:46 AM ^
Sent from MGoBlog HD for iPhone & iPad
October 29th, 2014 at 12:43 PM ^
I know very few of the MGoBlog set probably listen to WJR, but Beckmann has been on WJR ranting about how there is this giant political witchhunt against Brandon. Of course, Beckmann is probably still POed about getting fired over his Tiger Woods fried chicken & watermelon article, so.......
So yeah, this is how Brandon is going to play this. It's all a big political game.
October 29th, 2014 at 2:46 PM ^
October 29th, 2014 at 11:56 AM ^
President needs to send an envelope to Harbaugh with two items. The first is obviously a blank check. The second is a memo on UM letterhead that says "The next AD at the University of Michigan is (fill in the blank, Jimmy)", signed by Schlissel.
Alternatively, the second item may be multiple choice. But that is the end of the input needed.
October 29th, 2014 at 11:58 AM ^
Support for Brandon at the regent level breaks down along party lines
What the hell does party lines have to do with anything in this situation? You are regents because you are supposed to be doing what's best for MICHIGAN not your f'ing political party. If your logic for keeping the athletic director is "He is a Republican/Democrat" then I really don't think you should be a regent at all. Vote those clowns out (and possibly any other regents voting against Brandon because they're Democrats)
October 29th, 2014 at 2:10 PM ^
October 29th, 2014 at 12:00 PM ^
Relentless intensity? Last time we had that around here was in 2006 the day before the Ohio game. Harbaugh is definitely the answer. We need Ross and all the other heavies to do everything in their power to make it happen.
October 29th, 2014 at 12:09 PM ^
Evades radar and flighttracker:
October 29th, 2014 at 12:44 PM ^
...this is Michigan! We need a real stealth plane, not a chincy ass fighter.
October 29th, 2014 at 4:50 PM ^
Please! You guys think that Michigan's stealth plane is actually capable of being photographed? Michigan's stealth aircraft bitch-slaps the F-117 and defecates the B-2.
October 29th, 2014 at 8:03 PM ^
October 29th, 2014 at 9:43 PM ^
October 29th, 2014 at 12:10 PM ^
October 29th, 2014 at 12:32 PM ^
I'm trying really, really hard not to get my hopes up, but it's not working.
October 29th, 2014 at 12:20 PM ^
If I was Harbaugh, my takeaway from four seasons in SF is that I'm quite well cut out to succeed in the NFL, and that it's the anon whiners who aren't.
October 29th, 2014 at 12:32 PM ^
Get Jim H to sign the contract and you are the AD. We dont care if you are a hobo. This is simple.
October 29th, 2014 at 12:41 PM ^
Can we make a reality show out of this? Surely Bill Simmons would be onboard to produce it.
October 29th, 2014 at 1:55 PM ^
October 29th, 2014 at 12:33 PM ^
October 29th, 2014 at 1:59 PM ^
October 29th, 2014 at 1:06 PM ^
Another month of rumors, he said/she said and "my sources indicate". One site says coach X would come, another site says coach X is not interested. No coach is going to show any interest during a season when he is coaching another team, and there are no openings at M. Until Brady and Brandon are gone, its just more speculation on who will do what.
October 29th, 2014 at 12:42 PM ^
Question for you:
During our last coaching search, was the "insider sources" smoke around Harbaugh to UM this thick? Do you feel there is more validity to the sources, or just more quantity of people saying he ends up here? I'm trying to temper my enthusiasm but it feels too good after reading this...
October 29th, 2014 at 1:15 PM ^
As someone noted on mgoblog recentley, Michigan athletics doesn't need a promoter; (all those make believe marketers DB hired) it needs an able administrator that understand the university mission and role athletics play.
The mission of a university and/or its athletics department is not to turn a profit and drive shareholder quarterly dividend value.
Higher education is there to serve its community and the public at large. And guys like Byrne, Bates and others are classy college administrators get it.
While those aforementioned guys get that - our AD does not. He never stopped selling or hustling the consumer (students). He is beyond tone-deaf - he's stone deaf.
If UM is a brand, as he crassly puts it - he wrongly tried to leverage athletics to strengthen and build the brand through his low-class marketing antics, managing to embarass the storied football program and university in general, vs. enhancing the game-day experience. People come to Michigan football games to enjoy the experience, but in squeezing fans out all theie money, he has effectively managed to wring out all the joy and fun as well.
I get the "big business idea" of big-time athletics and the realities of attracting today's student-athletes. But this guy never understood how achieve a balance between that need and why the university exists.
I hope some of you guys right - he's gone. Soon!
Go Blue!
October 29th, 2014 at 1:23 PM ^
I am happy that Butch Jones is denying interest for two reasons:
1. Tennessee and Michigan have been somewhat similar the last 7-8 years and coaching instability sucks for any program
2. He is one of the least interesting candidates to me in terms of resume
October 29th, 2014 at 1:27 PM ^
Do whatever it take to knock this AD/HC thing out of the park. If they don't then they deserve any mediocrity that follows.
October 29th, 2014 at 1:52 PM ^
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